Student Accommodation in Nottingham: A City Guide for 2026/27

Nottingham is one of the UK's most established student cities, with over 60,000 students across Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham. That density gives the city one of the youngest populations in the country and a student scene that shapes much of its culture, nightlife and economy.

Nottingham's city centre nightlife holds the Purple Flag — a national accreditation for diversity and safety in night-time economies — which is worth knowing if that matters to you when choosing where to study.

On affordability, Nottingham consistently ranks among the top 10 best-value cities in the UK for students. The average weekly cost of student accommodation is around £188, significantly lower than London or cities in the South East.

This guide covers the practical details: the best areas for students in Nottingham, what PBSA costs and includes, and how to get around the city.

_{Photo: The Place, Nottingham.}

Universities in Nottingham

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has its main City Campus in the heart of Nottingham city centre, on Shakespeare Street and surrounding streets. It also has a Clifton Campus in south Nottingham and a Brackenhurst Campus in Newark. Most NTU undergraduate students are based at the City Campus, which is within walking distance of most city-centre PBSA. NTU is consistently ranked among the top modern universities in the UK and is one of the most applied-to universities in the country.

University of Nottingham is a Russell Group institution with two main campuses in Nottingham: University Park (its main campus, around three miles southwest of the city centre) and Jubilee Campus (adjacent to University Park, specialising in business, law and computer science). The university also has a Medical School at the Queens Medical Centre. Students at the University of Nottingham tend to live in the areas between the campuses and the city centre — particularly Lenton, Beeston and Dunkirk.

Nottingham College is a large further education institution with several sites across the city, including a City Hub in the city centre and campuses in Basford and Beeston. Students at Nottingham College typically look for affordable accommodation in or near the city centre.

Where do students live in Nottingham?

Nottingham is a relatively compact city and most student areas are within a manageable distance of either university. Where you live will depend largely on which institution you attend.

City Centre and Canning Circus

The city centre is the most convenient location for NTU City Campus students, with most buildings within walking distance. PBSA is concentrated here, offering a wide range of room types and price points. Canning Circus, just west of the centre, is a well-established student area with a mix of PBSA and private house shares. It is busier and more urban than residential neighbourhoods further out, which suits some students and not others.

Lenton

Lenton is the most popular student area for University of Nottingham students, situated between the city centre and the University Park campus. It has a high density of student house shares, a strong student community, and good bus connections to the campus. Lenton is predominantly private rented rather than PBSA territory.

Beeston

Beeston is a suburban town on the tram network, adjacent to the University of Nottingham's University Park campus. It is popular with students who want a quieter, more residential setting while staying close to the university. Rents tend to be lower than Lenton and the tram connection to the city centre is reliable.

Dunkirk and Radford

Dunkirk and Radford are established student areas between Lenton and the city centre, popular with University of Nottingham students. They offer affordable house shares and reasonable bus connections to both campuses.

Hockley and the Lace Market

Hockley and the Lace Market are part of Nottingham's creative and independent quarter, popular with students who want to be close to the city's nightlife, independent shops and music venues. Both are walkable to NTU City Campus and the city centre. Some PBSA is available in this area.

Types of student accommodation in Nottingham

Students in Nottingham choose between university-managed halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and privately rented houses.

University halls are typically offered to first-year students at both NTU and the University of Nottingham. Both universities guarantee accommodation to eligible first-years who apply by the relevant deadline.

PBSA is operated by private companies and open to all students regardless of year or university. Nottingham has a significant PBSA market, particularly in and around the city centre. Bills are typically included, contracts usually run for 44–51 weeks, and room types range from en-suite rooms in shared flats to self-contained studios.

Private house shares are popular with continuing students, particularly in Lenton, Beeston and Dunkirk for University of Nottingham students. Demand is high, and students are advised to start looking from November or December for the following academic year.

Featured student residences in Nottingham

The following properties are listed in full on Hallbookers, including room types, facilities, and location details.

• The Nest Nottingham Studio from £160.00 — View full listing
• Redgate En-suite from £168.00 — View full listing
• Hockley point En-suite from £130.00 — View full listing
• The Place Studio from £165.00 — View full listing
• New Brook House Studio from £149.00 — View full listing
• Talbot Street En-suite from £155.00 — View full listing
• Canning Place Studio from £205.00 — View full listing
• Clarendon Street Studio from £156.75 — View full listing

What does student accommodation cost in Nottingham?

Nottingham is one of the more affordable major student cities in the UK. PBSA rents typically range from around £120 to £280 per week, depending on room type and location. En-suite rooms in shared flats sit at the lower end; self-contained studios and premium city-centre rooms sit toward the top. Most contracts run for 44–51 weeks and bills are usually included.

Private house shares in Lenton and Beeston typically cost between £450 and £600 per month per person, excluding bills. Shared houses are generally cheaper per week than PBSA but require separate management of bills and contracts.

Contents insurance is not always included in PBSA — worth checking before you book. Laundry facilities are usually on-site in PBSA but coin or card-operated rather than free.

Getting around Nottingham

Nottingham has one of the best public transport networks of any UK city outside London. The tram network — NET (Nottingham Express Transit) — is the most efficient way to travel between the city centre, the University of Nottingham campuses and Beeston. Tram stops serve University Park and Jubilee Campus directly. A day ticket or semester pass is worth considering for regular commuters.

Buses supplement the tram network and serve areas the tram does not reach, including Lenton, Dunkirk and Radford. The city centre is compact and walkable — NTU City Campus is within easy walking distance of most city-centre PBSA.

Cycling is practical in the flatter parts of the city, particularly between the city centre and the University of Nottingham campuses. Nottingham has invested in cycling infrastructure in recent years, though coverage is uneven.

Nottingham train station connects the city to London St Pancras in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, Sheffield in under 50 minutes, and Birmingham in around 1 hour.

Student life in Nottingham

Nottingham Trent Students' Union is based on the City Campus and runs over 200 clubs and societies, social events and independent advice services for NTU students. It has a strong events calendar and is one of the more active students' unions in the East Midlands.

University of Nottingham Students' Union is based at Portland Building on the University Park campus. It runs over 300 clubs and societies and several social venues on campus, including the Mooch bar and the Portland Building entertainment spaces.

Nottingham city centre has a well-established student scene. Hockley and the Lace Market are the most popular areas for independent bars, restaurants and nightlife — Rock City on Talbot Street is one of the UK's most well-known live music venues. The Old Market Square is the heart of the city centre and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and independent retailers. Nottingham Castle, the National Justice Museum and the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery are among the city's cultural highlights.

Nottingham consistently ranks as one of the most affordable major cities in England for students, with living costs outside of rent noticeably lower than in London, Manchester or Bristol.

Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Nottingham

Where do most students live in Nottingham?

NTU students tend to live in the city centre, Canning Circus and surrounding areas, all within walking distance of the City Campus. University of Nottingham students are more commonly based in Lenton, Beeston or Dunkirk, which are closer to the University Park campus. Many first-year students from both universities live in PBSA in or near the city centre.

How much does student accommodation cost in Nottingham?

PBSA in Nottingham typically ranges from around £120 to £280 per week, with bills usually included. Private house shares in popular student areas cost approximately £450–£600 per person per month, excluding bills. Nottingham is generally one of the more affordable student cities in the UK.

Is the tram useful for students in Nottingham?

Yes. The NET tram network is one of the most useful in any UK student city. It connects the city centre directly to the University of Nottingham's University Park and Jubilee campuses, and to Beeston — making it a practical option for students living in or near the city centre who study at the University of Nottingham.

What is the best area for NTU students to live?

The city centre and Canning Circus are the most convenient areas for NTU City Campus students, with most university buildings within walking distance. PBSA is well represented in these areas across a range of price points.

What is the best area for University of Nottingham students to live?

Lenton is the most popular area for University of Nottingham students — it is close to the University Park campus, has a strong student community and good bus connections. Beeston is a good alternative for students who prefer a quieter setting and can use the tram.

Is Nottingham a good city for international students?

Yes. Both NTU and the University of Nottingham have large international student communities and well-developed support services. All-inclusive PBSA is a practical option for international students who want predictable costs and on-site support from the start of their stay.

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